El Almejal

Chocó, Colombia

Beach breakIntermediate

In Colombia's remote Pacific Chocó department near Bahía Solano, El Almejal is a rainforest-backed black sand beach where Colombia's Pacific delivers powerful swells to one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

OptimalW (270°)

WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Size–W 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

Light to NE under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Jun–Nov

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Dark sand

Shape

Peaks with powerful lefts and rights

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

•Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
•Why: Powerful beach break in remote location requires solid ability

Hazards

•Very remote, nearest hospital in Bahía Solano by boat
•Extremely high rainfall, flash flooding can affect the beach
•Strong rip currents in bigger swells

Local Tips

•El Almejal Lodge is the base for exploring this area, book ahead
•Humpback whales give birth in these waters June–October, visible from the beach
•The rainforest here is one of the world's most biodiverse, extraordinary birdlife

Location

6.2000, -77.4333